Carfree day takes heat off the planet
Agreen group is urging Hong Kong's drivers not to use their vehicles tomorrow - the World Carfree Day. They can take public transport, cycle or even walk to work, Greenpeace said.
Several carfree days were organised in Europe in the early 90s. In 2000, there was a call for a World Carfree Day to coincide with Europe's Carfree Day on September 22. Last year, about 2,000 cities joined the campaign, including some cities from the mainland.
Greenpeace campaigner Prentice Koo Wai-muk said: 'We would like the public to know that giving up driving can greatly reduce carbon dioxide emissions. It's a great step towards tackling climate change.'
At least 54 organisations - including HSBC and the Airport Authority, universities and several non-government bodies - have pledged to join the event.
'It's really encouraging. Airport Authority directors support the event and will not drive to work tomorrow. The airport is far away from the city, so others should have no excuse to drive to work,' Koo said.
He is happy top government officials are supporting the World Carfree Day.
'The government is listening to us because top officials have pledged to join the event. We believe they should set an example to the public by not using their cars tomorrow,' Koo said.
Environment Secretary Edward Yau Tang-wah has promised to use public transport tomorrow to help take the heat off the planet.
Koo said Hong Kong has a very efficient transport network so there's no reason why people can't take a train, bus or tram to work. 'Giving up driving really doesn't affect people's daily lives. Sometimes, they can reach their destination faster if they take public transport,' he said.
'Hong Kong doesn't need so many cars.'
Transport Department figures show car ownership in the territory had grown by 12 per cent since 2004, Greenpeace said.
They said an average car emits 207 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometre. For example, a 13km car journey from Sheung Wan to Chai Wan will generate 2.31 kilograms of greenhouse gas.
If a person completes the same journey by MTR, there will be a 60 per cent reduction of carbon dioxide emissions.
To promote World Carfree Day, Greenpeace organised a bicycle parade on Hong Kong Island last Sunday. More than 100 people cycled from Central to Causeway Bay and back to Central.
Greenpeace said people should consider cycling in the city centre because it can be done and is not as 'unpleasant' as many think.
'We'd like the public to be more creative. If you do not drive, it doesn't mean you must take public transport. You can cycle or walk,' Koo said.
